Feeling down lately? It may not be just a bad day. If you are finding it rather difficult to get out of bed in the morning, let alone accomplish day to day tasks, you might have depression. And although there are several remedies to help you with your depression, there are some things that can actually worsen your mood. Find out what these things are and how you can change your habits to feel better more quickly!

1. Water Intake

They weren’t kidding when they said water is the solution to all your problems. “Want to lose weight? Drink water. Suffer from acne? Drink water. Mad at bae? Drown him.” In fact, it seems that not drinking enough water is the root of all problems. It can actually lead to a lot of mental and physical issues. For one thing, a lack of water intake can cause brain fog. This can prevent you from thinking clearly, not to mention leave you in a less than content mood. Of course, lack of water intake can result in dehydration. The symptoms of dehydration don’t always have to be thirst. Fatigue, headaches, and even excess body heat are all signs that you need to up your water intake. It’s not always coffee that you need to wake you up. Put down the mug and pick up a bottle of water instead. Your mind and body will thank you.

2. Vitamin Deficiency

Symptoms of depression do not pertain to solely being in a bad mood. Your physical health can be a red flag too. If you find taking a nap is always on your mind, not to mention you’re struggling to break free from your sluggish and lethargic state, check your vitamin levels! Vitamin B, C, and D levels and depression are very closely linked to one another. Living in Canada, almost everyone lacks Vitamin D, also known as ‘the sunshine vitamin’ which can leave you feeling gloomy with a lack of energy. Be sure to also check your Iron, Magnesium, B12, and Vitamin C levels as well. Not only can these vitamins and minerals help with depression, they are also essential for maintaining your overall health. Either get your intake through supplements or incorporate meals that are rich in nutrients into your diet. That poutine may taste good while you’re eating it, but its doing more harm than good in the long run.

3. Being a couch potato

Its easy to slip into a state of withdrawal when you’re suffering from depression. All you want to do is crawl into a corner of your bedroom and watch Netflix all day. However, being a couch potato is highly counterproductive to improving on your mental health. Although it makes sense to let yourself grieve and feel your emotions, it is more important to find ways to break free from the cycle. So, do yourself a favour and hop on a fitness cycle! Getting active in small ways such as taking a walk around the block or trying out something more daring like rock climbing can be a huge step into bettering your depression. It’s no secret that exercising releases endorphins, helping you feel good. It can encourage you to try something new, engage in more social interactions, and just have a change of pace from your everyday routine.

4. Scrolling through Instagram

Ah, social media. The biggest blessing and curse the internet has to offer. Social media has become an integral part of all our lives. It helps us keep connected with Radiya all the way in India while keeping us informed on Trump’s day to day shenanigans. However, it can also be the biggest Debbie Downers of our lives. Unfortunately, being active on social media can lead us to compare our lives with others, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and depressed. You can be sitting at home, trying to get active and eat healthier while your classmates from high-school are posting photos of their engagement or new house. Getting caught up in other people’s lives in not only irrelevant, its detrimental to your physical and mental health. Unfollow the accounts that leave you feeling empty and start following accounts that encourage positivism and boasts motivation. Better yet, put down your phone and focus on your own life.

5. Putting others before yourself

Say no. No one will be offended if you do. And if they are — good riddance. Whether its in your professional or personal life, politely refusing to do things can help you feel in control of the life you fear you’re losing grasp of. Unfortunately, a lot of negative feelings arise when you put yourself before others. However, changing this habit will help with your self confidence. You may just not want to go out for dinner with your friends one night and its next to impossible to take on a new project when your boss has already put so much on your plate. Its okay. Listen to yourself. If you feel like you can’t take it anymore, step away. Thank yourself later.

Hope these tips helped! Be sure to visit your doctor if your depression persists for a prolonged period of time or if you feel your symptoms worsening. Let me know if you have any tips of your own!

About the Author

“Stay soft – it looks beautiful on you” – Nayirrah Waheed

Born in New York, raised in Toronto, Ontario, I’ve always been a city girl on the lookout for the next best thing. My passion for writing started at the young age of 12, when I was selected to be the editor of my middle school newsletter. Whether its covering current events, writing click-bait articles, latest fashion trends, health and wellness posts, or a personal piece on a major event in my life, my work is created with creativity and honesty.